Interim Section 151 Officer (Director of Finance)

Role Title: Interim Section 151 Officer (Director of Finance)
Salary: Up to -1,300 per day (Inside IR35)
Location: Midlands
Working Arrangements: 2 days per week on-site
Contract: Initial 9 months, with potential extension

Sellick Partnership are working with a local government organisation for this exciting opportunity as an Interim Section 151 Officer (Director of Finance).

The successful candidate will provide strategic financial leadership, oversee statutory responsibilities and lead the finance function through a period of financial and organisational change. This role requires a strong technical background alongside proven leadership, stakeholder management and the ability to provide clear advice to elected Members and senior officers.

The responsibilities of the Interim Section 151 Officer will be:

• Oversee the Council''s statutory financial responsibilities, ensuring effective governance, compliance and robust financial controls.
• Provide strategic financial advice to elected Members, the Chief Executive and senior leadership team on budgets, financial planning and risk.
• Lead budget setting, treasury management, year-end accounts and external audit processes.
• Manage, motivate and develop the finance team, establishing clear objectives and promoting accountability.
• Build effective relationships with Members and senior stakeholders, communicating complex financial information clearly.
• Support organisational transformation and service improvements, promoting financial sustainability and continuous improvement.
• Provide calm, credible leadership during a challenging period, maintaining confidence in the Council''s financial management.

The ideal candidate for the Interim Section 151 Officer role will have:

• Previous experience acting as a Section 151 Officer within a local authority.
• A recognised CCAB accountancy qualification, such as CIPFA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent.
• Significant experience leading and managing a local government finance function.
• Strong knowledge of local authority accounting, statutory financial duties and governance.
• Experience advising elected Members and senior officers on complex financial matters.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams effectively.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A resilient and measured approach, with the emotional intelligence to lead through financial and organisational challenges.

How to apply for the Interim Section 151 Officer role:

If you believe that you are well suited to this excellent opportunity as an Interim Section 151 Officer, please apply directly or contact Tim Farnsworth at Sellick Partnership''s Derby Office for more information.

CVs will be screened and sent over to the client for shortlisting, with successful applicants being contacted to arrange interviews as soon as possible.

Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances. Please note, our advertisements use years'' experience, hourly rates, and salary levels purely as a guide and we assess applications based on the experience and skills evidenced on the CV. For information on how your personal details may be used by Sellick Partnership, please review our data processing notice on our website.